May I suggest the perfect ladies' accessory for winter: a passion-red XC90 V8 R-design from Volvo. The striking, elegantly styled SUV with colour-coordinated fender extensions in a popping cherry shade is the ideal complement to freshly fallen snow. Both commercial and conceptual inspirations were sourced from European markets and original vintage sources to bring this completely fashion-forward yet practical vehicle to Canada.
The charm of this exquisite piece is in the embellishments. Featuring flourishes such as: 20-inch alloy wheels, R-design (read: sporty) floor mats, grille with R-design logo, R-design side mirrors, sport steering wheel, perforated supple leather shift knob, and dual exhaust system with four chrome accentuated tailpipes. This flashy number also fares well in bad weather thanks to the designers’ ingenuity. They have affixed water-repellent side windows, four-wheel ABS system, emergency brake assist, and all-wheel drive with instant traction.
Safety features, generally not an integral part of haute couture, are the charm of a Volvo. The optional Blind Spot Information System is, for all intents and purposes, another pair of eyes (albeit computerized). Rear-facing cameras in the side mirrors detect and alert the driver to vehicles moving into the blind-spot. The system is activated once the car exceeds 10 km/h and detects a motorcycle or larger vehicle.
The blind-spot system may have eyes, but it is not the brain: It only keeps you informed, helping to avoid crashes and make smart lane-changing decisions. Not all crashes are caused by bad decisions, however; often weather plays a factor. In challenging situations, Volvo’s Dynamic Stability and Traction Control interacts with the vehicle’s steering, brakes, and engine management to help maintain control. If these features are not protective enough for you, Volvo has also had the foresight to engineer Roll Stability Control. The car is equipped with a gyroscopic sensor, which registers the vehicle’s lean angle and rollover risk. If needed, the system will cut engine power or brake one or more of the wheels to help regain the vehicle’s balance. I’m still waiting for a Volvo vehicle to make me a latte sprinkled with cinnamon while it does all of these other nifty things, but, for now, the innovative safety features will just have to do. Nevertheless, other designers should take note from Volvo: Smart can be beautiful.
Combined with intelligence and beauty is power. The engine is a masterful 4.4L V8, producing 311 horsepower accompanied by a six-speed geartronic automatic transmission. All in all, it’s a smooth and responsive mechanism at all speeds. Yet, if you’re not used to handling a V8, you may find the acceleration from stop slightly too powerful. I am, however, not one of those people. I enjoyed the great roar of the V8 engine when starting from stop and during acceleration.
The handling of XC90 is nothing to scoff at. Thanks to all of Volvo’s added safety features, it cornered with precision and ease on winding roads and through inner-city traffic. (Note: When you are in a hefty SUV, you are allotted more command when wrestling in inner-city traffic — the nature of the beast, if you will.) Although in tight parking spaces I found the XC90 difficult to manoeuvre, the turning radius is wider than the XC70 (which is about the same length). However, the optional rear parking assistance and mass movement sensor aided in parking and prevented crashing into trees, poles, or other random obstructions.
Denting your pretty accessory would not be suggested, as it is about the same price as a crocodile-and-diamond Hermès “Birkin” bag. The MSRP for the XC90 V8 AWD R-design comes in at $65,895. Personally, I’d spend my money on the Volvo rather than the Birkin, but that’s just me.
Once again, Volvo has created a finely crafted vehicle — extremely aesthetically pleasing and authoritative — that any woman can enjoy, and perhaps share with her family if she feels so inclined.
Women’s Post automotive editor Angela Trimmer admits to having a car fetish.
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